Q&A : Zoë Badwi

Aussie dance diva Zoë Badwi has been conspicuously absent from the pages of auspOp for a couple of years now and, as it turns out, for very good reason.
The songstress, famous for her highly danceable back catalogue (‘Release Me’, ‘Freefallin’ and the oddly prophetic ‘Accidents Happen’) has spent the past two years in recovery mode after being critically injured in a car accident.
But, as she tells us in our latest Q&A, she’s well on her way back.

Q. So very nice to have you back, Ms Badwi…

A. Thank you! ☺

Q. We were going to do the ‘Accidents Happen’ gag, but apparently it’s been done to death already…

A. Haha yes, it’s had a fair work out that one.

Q. To be completely honest, we were blissfully unaware of your accident until this past week, so naturally, we’re sorry to hear about it. How difficult has the recovery process been?

A. It’s not been fun let me tell you. An elderly man ran through a red light and t-boned my driver’s side. I was travelling at 60 km/h and didn’t even get time to touch the brake. Recovery has been very slow. But I’m getting there slowly but surely.

Q. What sort of challenges have you had to overcome to get yourself match-fit again as it were?

A. Lots and lots of rehab. Five sessions a week and still going!

Q. So after this extraordinary wait to see you back in the clubs, you all of a sudden pop up on not one, but TWO new singles!?

A. Three actually! Haha! 1. Potbelleez and I with ‘Horny’, 2. Paki and Jaro ‘I Must Have Died’ and 3. Tenzin and I have a track out called ‘Love Me Baby’.

Q. Tell us about this new single from Paki & Jaro that you’ve just popped up on. How did the collaboration come to be?

A. I was sent the music by my record company and I loved it. You guys know me – I love happy uplifting vibes that just want to make you dance. I wrote it with a friend and amazing songwriter called Rudy. We just wanted to have light and shade and take you on a journey. I love this track!!

Q. And then, of course, is your cover of ‘Horny’ with The Potbelleez. How did the boys approach you to be involved in that project?

A. I have known the boys for a while from touring. We always got on like a house on fire. At one of the gigs we were doing we all got up on stage together and sang each others’ songs. We had a ball! From that the conversation started about doing some tracks together.

Q. How difficult was it to tackle a track that, in many ways, is so timeless?

A. It is a bit scary taking on a great classic. But in saying that, I loveeee Inaya Day and MousseT is a legend. I went in to the studio wanting to put my own little spin on it, but still respect the original.

Q. Which came first?

A. ‘Horny’ was first, then ‘I Must Have Died’.

Q. Are these two collaborations your way of just dipping your toes back into the water?

A. Haha busted! Yes. I am working with lots of different artists.

Q. What’s the best part of being back in the studio?

A. I love the studio. It’s a place to let your emotions go, especially after everything that has happened. I can pour it all out in songwriting and in my voice.

Q. What else have you been working on?

A. As mentioned, I have another song out with Tenzin (Australian DJ/producer) called ‘Love Me Baby’, which is a bit different for me, but it was fun to do. I have another track with the Potbelleez and I’m working on some overseas tracks too!

Q. When might we be expecting new standalone Zoë Badwi tracks, please?

A. Stay tuned – I have some exciting things coming.

Q. We’ll be waiting with baited breath! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer…

A. Thanks for having me! xx

Zoë’s singles with Tenzin, The Potbelleez and Paki & Jaro are all out now!